Also if you do a search for key words RSD or CRPS you can find much more information. (go to bottom of this page & gray box says "enter keywords")
How can I recognize RSD symptoms? http://www.rsdalert.co.uk/FAQ/howcanirecognise.htm
" RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) can start in many ways, the triggering factor could be anything from a twisted ankle or stubbed toe to a broken bone or major surgery. " There is often swelling, skin rashes/blistering, stiffness of joints, uncomfortable temperature changes of the affected area, extreme sensitivity whereby even slight touch means unbearable added pain, nausea, vomiting, lack of sleep, inability to concentrate or remember and a sense of confusion. This is on top of the intense pain. Patients will describe the pain as: burning, hot, stabbing, shooting - others will describe the feelings as aching, tightness, numbness, and tingling sensations."
At Mon, 21 Jul 2003, klischma@foxinternet.com wrote:
>
>What is RSD? Is it the same as ARD? (Adhesions Related disorders_)
>
>Thanks,
>Mary Lou
>
>Please Kristie - You are correct, that is the drug. It apparently is
>being
>>prescribed again - under very tight control - to treat Leprosy patients!
>>Often when a drug prescribed for one use, additional benefits as well as
>>side effects emerge. That is often when off-label uses begin.
>>
>>It is difficult to find any real information regarding its off-label
>>uses but here is how I THINK it applies to the off-label use of treating
>>nerve pain/damage & RSD:
>>
>>Thalidimide was prescribed in the 1950's as a sedative and for nausea in
>>pregnant women.
>>A major side effect (and cause of birth defects) can be Nerve Damage.
>>
>>Fairly recently it was being given to cancer patients for their nausea.
>>Soon after, it became apparant that it was improving the cancer patients
>>severe pain as well.
>>
>>Although they don't know how, it has also improved or REVERSED
>>completely RSD & its symptoms in some patients.
>>
>>There are super strict guidelines & controls in place regarding this
>>drug & pregnancy.
>>A female for whom it is impossible to become pregnant (uterus removed)
>>can be an acceptable candidate for this drug.
>>
>>I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can about its use for
>>pain/RSD.
>>I am hoping that perhaps someone who has personal experience - or knows
>>someone who has, or has had a discussion with a doctor about it could
>>provide more insight.
>>
>>Any help is greatly appreciated!
>>
>>At Sun, 20 Jul 2003, Kristie wrote:
>>>
>>>I thought Thadlidimide was taken off the market because of what it did
>>>to babies. Am I wrong?
>>>Kristie
>>>
>>>At Sat, 19 Jul 2003, Michelle wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Has anyone here tried Thalidimide/Brand name Thalomid for pain? I have
>>>>been able to find some technical info on the drug and a little bit about
>>>>its (off-label) use for neuropathic & RSD pain. I'm hoping that someone
>>>>here has (or knows someone who has) actually used it. Thank you in
>>>>advance for any info or opinion offered.
>>>>
>>>>--
>>>>Michelle
>>>>
>>>--
>>>Let's be good to ourselves....Kristie
>>>
>>--
>>Michelle
>>
>--
>mary lou
>
-- Michelle